Sweden re-establishes psychological defence agency  to combat foreign disinformation

Amid fears over Russian aggression against Ukraine, Sweden re-established the new psychological defence agency. The agency is meant to combat foreign disinformation ahead of Sweden’s general election in September, but is also intended to show a long-term commitment to safeguarding democratic values in Swedish society. Magnus Hjort, deputy director of the agency, explained that there was no immediate threat to Sweden but that given the security situation in Europe, concerns were especially strong. He added that social media has changed the dynamics of exposure to disinformation and expressed that social media platforms could always do more to protect citizens from foreign intervention, but psychological defence lies in individuals being aware that they could be exposed to influence from foreign powers.